Markets sold consistently across the week. Is there more red to expect in coming weeks?
Monday S&P 500 1.20% | NASDAQ 1.79%
Happy Tax Day! Retail sales expanded more than expected in March. Three major companies reported earnings, all three met expectations, all of which were financials. This was not surprising as financials usually head up earnings season. They also give us a good indication of how earnings season should go. Retail sales, however, took center stage as a strong consumer reduces the need for Federal Reserve Board (FRB) rate cuts. This caused an outsized move downward as investors anticipate less stimulus for 2024.
Tuesday S&P 500 0.21% | NASDAQ 0.12%
Housing data for March came in weaker than market expectation. Ten major companies reported earnings, with two missing expectations. Although mild, the losses continued. FRB Chair Powell indicated that inflation’s recent strength does not give the board confidence to start easing policy.
Wednesday S&P 500 0.58% | NASDAQ 1.15%
11 major companies reported earnings on the day, with three missing expectations. Focus was squarely on earnings as there was little economic data on the day. Tech stocks took a hit as AI chip orders for a specific company did not meet expectations. As would be expected this hit the tech heavy NASDAQ harder than the S&P 500.
Thursday S&P 500 0.22% | NASDAQ 0.52%
Initial unemployment claims remain benign. Existing home sales also slowed in March. 11 major companies reported earnings on the day, with one missing expectations. Markets were down for the day, but in a less dramatic fashion. Robust employment data typically is not favorable information when hoping for an FRB rate cut (as investors are).
Friday S&P 500 0.88% | NASDAQ 2.05%
Six major companies reported earnings on the day, with one missing expectations. NASDAQ led the way lower as Tech and communications got hit hardest. The best performers on the day were defensives, like utilities, healthcare, staples, and also financials.
Conclusion S&P 500 3.05% | NASDAQ 5.52%
The week was bloody. There was not a single up day for the S&P 500 or the NASDAQ Composite. The moves were not founded in fundamental data, as earnings did well. Some forward guidance shows warning of slowing revenues throughout the year, but that is normal for the last two years. Economic data, which signals the economy is doing well, has actually pushed stocks lower. The stronger the economy, the less likely the FRB is to act in reducing rates. The sell-off has extended to approximately 6%. It may take a breather in the coming days but expect that we are not done.
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Markets moved north last week. Is the S&P 500 finding its legs or is there cause for concern?
Monday
Markets were mostly flat to open the week. A great signal after ending last week in record territory for the S&P 500. Holding on to those gains may signal more ahead.
Tuesday
The S&P 500 was flat on the day as treasuries got a bid. This is a move that seems to signal investors are beginning to accept Federal Reserve direction. A bid to treasuries is a concession that inflation is likely to not carry as much concern as originally expected.
Wednesday
In a continued bid for safe haven securities, equity markets ended the day slightly lower. The 10-year treasury was getting a bid as it ended the day at 1.47%. This was the lowest level since the beginning of March.
Thursday
Markets climbed on Thursday. CPI data released showed robust growth of inflation, which typically would elicit a falling market. This indicates that while the number was high (Core CPI at 3.8%) it is not expected that inflation will persist.
Friday
As of late, the end of the week has been generally telling for investor sentiment. The data has been light, leaving investor response to really signal what risks the weekend may hold. This Friday we got favorable consumer sentiment projections and a rise in markets. This indicates that the weekends news cycle is not of major concern.
Conclusion
The S&P 500 rose by 0.41% for the week. Movement was fairly muted, but investor sentiment was strong. The volatility could tick up from here as volumes will moderate over the summer months. Lighter volume typically brings choppier waters.
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Always remember that while this is a week in review, this does not trigger or relate to trading activity on your account with Financial Future Services. Broad diversification across several asset classes with a long-term holding strategy is the best strategy in any market environment.
Any and all third-party posts or responses to this blog do not reflect the views of the firm and have not been reviewed by the firm for completeness or accuracy.